Environmental Security Research Articles

Safeguarding public facilities: a study on enhancing safety in mosque amenities through slip-resistance and surface innovations

PurposeThis study critically examines the safety aspects of ablution spaces in United Arab Emirates (UAE) mosques, emphasising the evaluation of smooth ceramic tile floorings prone to water accumulation. As an integral practice in Islamic worship, ablution spaces cater to a diverse demographic, making their safety a paramount concern. This study aims to meticulously assess slip-resistance properties and surface characteristics to provide practical recommendations for enhanced safety measures.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation involves in situ measurements of traction properties and an extensive analysis of surface features in thirty mosques across the UAE. This comprehensive approach allows for identifying the unique challenges posed by ceramic tile floorings in ablution spaces. The study uses a portable tribometer for dynamic friction coefficient measurements, ensuring accurate slip-resistance evaluations. Surface texture analysis uses a portable profilometer to quantify roughness parameters.FindingsThe study’s findings significantly advance the comprehension of safety considerations in ablution spaces. Through empirical evidence and evidence-based insights, the research identifies immediate safety concerns and provides practical recommendations to create secure and inclusive environments within mosques. The emphasis lies on safeguarding the well-being of worshippers and contributing to the broader goal of safety in religious spaces.Originality/valueThe original contribution of this study lies in its dual focus on immediate safety concerns and the deeper understanding of unique safety challenges within ablution spaces. By offering evidence-based insights and practical recommendations, the research strives to make meaningful contributions to creating secure and inclusive environments within mosques.

Evaluating the Performance and Challenges of Machine Learning Models in Network Anomaly Detection

The application of machine learning algorithms for anomaly detection in network traffic data is examined in this study. Using a collection of network flow records that includes attributes such as IP addresses, ports, protocols, and timestamps, the study makes use of correlation heatmaps, box plots, and data visualization to identify trends in numerical characteristics. After preprocessing, which includes timestamp conversion to Unix format, three machine learning models Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gaussian Naive Bayes, and Random Forest are used for anomaly identification. The Random Forest Classifier outperforms SVM and Naive Bayes classifiers with better precision and recall for anomaly diagnosis, achieving an accuracy of 87%. Confusion matrices and classification reports are used to evaluate the models, and they show that the Random Forest Classifier performs better than the other models in identifying abnormalities in network traffic. These results provide significant value to the field of cybersecurity by highlighting the effectiveness of machine learning models specifically, the Random Forest Classifier in boosting anomaly detection capacities for network environment security.

Blockchain-Enabled Secure and Interoperable Authentication Scheme for Metaverse Environments

The metaverse, which amalgamates physical and virtual realms for diverse social activities, has been the focus of extensive application development by organizations, research institutes, and companies. However, these applications are often isolated, employing distinct authentication methods across platforms. Achieving interoperable authentication is crucial for when avatars traverse different metaverses to mitigate security concerns like impersonation, mutual authentication, replay, and server spoofing. To address these issues, we propose a blockchain-enabled secure and interoperable authentication scheme. This mechanism uniquely identifies users in the physical world as well as avatars, facilitating seamless navigation across verses. Our proposal is substantiated through informal security analyses, employing automated verification of internet security protocols and applications (AVISPA), the real-or-random (ROR) model, and Burrows–Abadi–Needham (BAN) logic and showcasing effectiveness against a broad spectrum of security threats. Comparative assessments against similar schemes demonstrate our solution’s superiority in terms of communication costs, computation costs, and security features. Consequently, our blockchain-enabled, interoperable, and secure authentication scheme stands as a robust solution for ensuring security in metaverse environments.

Design and Implementation of Time Point Approval and Dynamic Monitoring for Rural Illegal Occupation of Farmland for Constructing Houses

Abstract. The illegal occupation of farmland for building houses has impact not only on the land resources, but also the agricultural production, ecological environment, and food security. In order to protect farmland resources, maintain stable agricultural production activities and improve ecological environment, this paper designs and implements a time-point approval and dynamic monitoring solution and system for the problem of rural illegal occupation of farmland for constructing houses by comprehensively utilizing the satellite remote sensing technology (RS) and geographic information system technology (GIS). The result shows that the time-point approval and dynamic monitoring system can identify the illegal construction of houses accurately, thus this work can curb the generation of new illegal houses, and support the special governance of the construction of illegally occupied farmland effectively and continuously.

Engaging women, peace, and security in defence: the role of the NATO committee on gender perspectives

ABSTRACT As NATO marks its 75th anniversary it is facing a future more uncertain than at any point since the end of the Cold War. The European security environment is changed and challenged by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, while the Israel-Gaza war poses further challenges. Given this critical moment, this article offers a strategic intervention to highlight and reinforce the essential role of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in defence and deterrence, including through the integration of a gender perspective, for NATO members and partners. It does so by bringing together former Chairs of the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives (NCGP) into conversation about the continued importance of NATO’s oldest committee in ensuring NATO’s future approach to WPS is fit for purpose. Drawing upon their reflections and insights, we recommend policy points to embed and advance WPS and the gender perspective in NATO’s response to this new security environment.

Explainable AI for Abnormal Human Activity Detection in Surveillance Videos: A Review

This review paper examines the integration of Explainable AI (XAI) techniques into abnormal human activity detection from surveillance videos, emphasizing their significance in enhancing transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness in AI-powered surveillance systems. Through an exploration of XAI methods such as LIME, SHAP, and attention mechanisms, we discuss how these techniques provide insights into the decision-making process of AI models, enabling stakeholders to understand and interpret model predictions. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of using XAI for debugging errors, identifying biases, and increasing trust among human operators in various security contexts. Additionally, we discuss ongoing research directions in XAI for abnormal human activity detection, including the development of advanced explanation techniques and the incorporation of user feedback into the explanation process. By fostering collaboration between humans and AI, XAI holds the potential to enhance the effectiveness and responsible deployment of surveillance systems, contributing to safer and more secure environments for all stakeholders.

Role of IT in Banking

Up until 1990, Indian banks operated in a relatively safe and secure environment; however, economic policies have forced them into fierce competition. As technology advances, the banking industry in India is also attempting to awaken from slumber and become more proactive. Banks have long used technology to enhance their offerings and operational effectiveness. These days, technology is altering not just the surroundings but also the interactions with clients. In addition to removing numerous barriers, technology has produced better goods and distribution methods. This has increased attention on customer relationships. It is also seen as a tool for cutting expenses and facilitating efficient communication between entities and individuals involved in the banking industry.

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF HYBRID SIMULATION IN ENHANCING THE LEARNING DOMAINS OF MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATES: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Objectivs: Medical education, crucial for understanding physiological processes and clinical application, faces limitations in traditional methods. Simulation-based training addresses this gap, providing a secure environment for hands-on skill practice. The objectives of the study are to (1) evaluate the impact of simulation on enhancing the learning domains of medical undergraduates and (2) gauge students’ perceptions of simulation based medical education (SBME) through a pre-validated, pre-designed questionnaire. Methods: A quasi-experimental study, involving 60 medical undergraduates, selected by convenient sampling. The study began after obtaining approval from the Institutional Human Ethics Committee and obtaining informed consent from students. A pre-test was conducted for all 60 students followed by a lecture on simulation and then a post-test. The students were then divided into two groups: Group A – SBME using part-task trainers and standardized patients and Group B – (non-SBME) with video lectures on simulation. After 1 month, an assessment of all domains, namely cognitive, affective, and psychomotor, was done by post-test and objective structured clinical examination, respectively. Perception was obtained using the pre-validated questionnaire. Results: The assessment scores of all domains of Group A (SBME) showed significant improvement p<0.05 except cognitive domain. Conclusion: SBME is an effective teaching method for improving the learning domains of medical undergraduates.

Flash controller-based secure execution environment for protecting code confidentiality

With the rapid evolution of Internet-of-Things (IoT), billions of IoT devices have connected to the Internet, collecting information via tags and sensors. For an IoT device, the application code itself and data collected by sensors can be of great commercial value. It is challenging to protect them because IoT devices are prone to compromise due to the inevitable vulnerabilities of commodity Operating Systems. Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) is one of the solutions that protects sensitive data by running security-sensitive workloads in a secure world. However, this solution does not work for most of the IoT devices that are limited in resources.In this paper, we propose Flash Controller-based Secure Execution Environment (FCSEE), an approach to protect security-sensitive code and data for IoT devices using the flash controller. Our approach constructs a secure execution environment on the target flash memory by modifying the execution logic of its controller, leveraging it as a co-processor to execute security-sensitive workloads of the host device. By extending the original functionality of the flash firmware, FCSEE also provides several much-needed security primitives to protect sensitive data. We constructed a prototype based on a Trans-Flash (TF) card and implemented a proof of its confidentiality. Our evaluation results indicate that FCSEE can confidentially execute security-sensitive workloads from the host and efficiently protect its sensitive data.

Quantyfing the impact of the water security index on socio-economic development in EU27

The issue of environmental security in the context of sustainable development is a highly topical one, being intensively studied by specialists both in terms of its impact on biodiversity and on the protection of non-renewable resources, and in terms of its economic and social impact. The authors aim to quantify the impact of water security on economic and social development based on a new structural equation model and identify changes in the latent variable Water Security Index. (WSI), economic development (ED) and social development (SD) dynamics over the period 2000–2022 for the 27 EU Member States. The methodology is based on the use of structural equation systems and the use of the Independent-Samples Kruskal-Wallis Test to identify the influences of water security measures on economic and social indicators and to assess regional disparities of environmental policy development in relation to economic and social development. The research results will highlight the level of homogeneity of regional water security clusters in Europe and the influence of this approach on economic and social disparities. The results of the study highlight the significant correlation between population density, pollution levels and the costs associated with maintaining water quality. The study shows that high population density and high pollution levels disproportionately increase the financial burden of water quality management. In addition, the analysis highlights the social ramifications of neglecting the sustainability of water sources, particularly in regions experiencing low economic growth. In such scenarios, the negative social impact intensifies, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices. The results allow the formulation of the following public policies: Standardization of the national water quality management framework in line with the European framework; Establishment of organizations to monitor the safety of water sources and the health of the local population; Continuation of innovations in the field of water environment protection; Promotion of social responsibility towards the aquatic environment; Continuation of the process of improving water management governance. The results are useful for economic, environmental and social policy makers to optimise European sustainable development strategies.

Ammonia as a Potential Energy Vector in the Burgeoning Hydrogen Economy

AbstractThe adoption of green hydrogen economy is an indispensable necessity in the current global scenario of environment and energy security. In this endeavor, ammonia is poised to play a key vector of hydrogen to mitigate the challenges arising from transportation, storage and safety. Besides containing a high volumetric and gravimetric hydrogen density, NH3 decomposition into H2 for onsite utilization as a distributed energy source is devoid of greenhouse gases production. In this endeavor, significant technological advancements have been made for in situ production of H2 from NH3 decomposition and the use of NH3 in fuel cell devices to produce electricity. The ammonia decomposition methods to produce H2 mainly involve thermocatalytic, oxidative, electrocatalytic and photocatalytic, among which the catalyst assisted thermal cracking of NH3 has been widely investigated. The research progress in electrolysis of NH3 has been notable in the last couple of years and provides a low‐cost alternative to produce H2 at room temperature. In the area of device development, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have witnessed rapid development in the performances and stability, as ammonia is completely decomposed into H2 and N2 at high operating temperature above ~700 °C.

Human security, sustainable livelihoods and development: the case of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria

This article critically examines the complex connections between human security and livelihoods in relation to development in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. This region is pervaded by a web of socio-economic and environmental issues that have severely impacted the lives of people and communities due to environmental degradation. For example, the exploration and exploitation of natural resources in this region has had extensive consequences on the livelihood activities of the people. Moreover, the Niger Delta has been affected by persistent social instabilities and a lack of access to some of the basic assets of security, including personal, health, economic and environmental security. While the concepts of livelihoods and environmental degradation are reasonably well understood in the context of the Niger Delta, the complex links between them in relation to human security remain unexplored. To examine how environmental degradation impacts livelihoods, this article explores the concept of human security, following a rights-based approach in line with the sustainable livelihood framework. Furthermore, it draws from semi-structured interviews conducted in the region on the lived experiences of community members, such as farmers and fishers, and their challenges in bridging generational crises in the context of environmental degradation. I argue that understanding the interconnectedness of security and livelihood issues in the context of such crises provides an innovative approach to considering both environmental and social factors in sustainable development, which is essential for the overall well-being of people in the region.

Peter Hough. Environmental security: an introduction 2d edition

Peter Hough. Environmental security: an introduction 2d edition

Implementing SIEM(Security Information and Environment Management) in Microsoft Azure

Abstract: In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is paramount. Cyberattacks can therefore occur upon any device at any moment of time in order to steal the sensitive information of the user or can result in identity theft and cyberbullying. There are varieties of attacks that may occur without the user being aware about the same that their computer has been attacked and the hacker has overall access of their data. Also, a user cannot sit in front of their device throughout their life to monitor and protect any type of cyberattack. Therefore, in order to solve the following problems and to enhance the overall security and accuracy of safeguarding the device and its data, we implement our project Security Information and Environment Management (SIEM) system within the Microsoft Azure cloud ecosystem. SIEM plays a critical role in monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats, making it a crucial component of any organization's cybersecurity strategy. To view the notification of the attack for a user and all its details, we therefore connect the SIEM implementations and logs over Microsoft Azure platform, and generate the same with the help of a command-shell Windows PowerShell.

Prototype of Automatic Door and Fire Alarm System Based on IoT

This research discusses the development of a prototype of an automatic door and fire alarm system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) utilizing IR sensors to detect people, servo motors to automate door opening, flame detectors for fire detection, MQ-2 sensors for smoke detection, and Telegram as a notification medium. The integration of these technologies aims to enhance security and automation in home or office environments. IR sensors are used to detect people approaching the door, while servo motors provide a solution for door automation. Flame detectors and MQ-2 are employed to detect potential fires by issuing early warnings. This system communicates through the Telegram application to notify users. Testing conducted indicates that IR sensors can detect the presence of people up to a distance of 5cm to activate the micro servo opening the door. The flame detector effectively detects fire up to a distance of 30cm, while the MQ-2 sensor detects smoke up to a distance of 20cm; both generate output signals to activate the micro servo, LED, and buzzer for fire alarms, as well as sending notifications via Telegram to the building owner. With this approach, it is hoped to create an effective, efficient, and reliable system to enhance security and response to emergency situations.

Neighbourhood safety and academic performance: the role of student gender and family socioeconomic status

Introduction. Neighbourhood safety is directly linked to the level of disadvantage in the area of residence. Aim. The present research aimed to examine the impact of neighbourhood safety on the academic performance of secondary school students, taking into account gender and socioeconomic background. Methodology and research methods. The current study used a quantitative cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from 448 secondary school students on a voluntary basis. Chi-square and Kendall’s Tau-c (Tc) tests were used to analyse the data and determine the relationship and strength of direction between variables. Results. The findings indicated a significant and positive association between children’s academic performance and neighbourhood crime safety (P < 0.05, Tc = 0.202), as well as feeling safe, walking in the neighbourhood during the day or night (P < 0.05, Tc = 0.127). However, bullying and harassment in the neighbourhood were found to be significantly and negatively associated with academic performance (P > 0.05, Tc = -0.053). When introducing family socioeconomic status as a control variable, the results indicated variation in academic performance in relation to neighbourhood safety. When controlling for student gender, neighbourhood safety had no different effects on academic performance. The findings showed that, in relation to neighbourhood safety, children from families with higher socioeconomic status academically outperform children from lower socioeconomic status families. Scientific novelty. The study not only focused on the connection between neighbourhood safety and academic performance but was also unique in the sense that it also dealt with differences in academic performance based on gender and family socioeconomic level. Practical significance. The study produces a number of interesting conclusions and makes valuable recommendations for significant stakeholders. The primary study recommendations aim is to create a secure, supportive, and protective neighbourhood environment by enforcing the law and encouraging community involvement in order to reduce the threat of crime, violence, and harassment.

Online Auction System Using Python, Blockchain and Cloud Computing

Abstract: The "Advanced Online Auction System Using Python, Cloud Computing, and Block chain Integration” is a pioneering project designed to transform the landscape of online auctions. This project leverages the synergistic power of Python programming, cloud computing infrastructure, and Block chain technology to create an innovative online auction platform. Our system offers a secure and transparent environment for auction participants, ensuring trust and credibility throughout the auction process. Through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, it addresses the evolving needs and challenges of online auctions, providing an efficient and user- friendly experience. With a focus on security, transparency, scalability, and user engagement, this project aims to revolutionize the online auction industry, setting new standards for efficiency and trustworthiness. By combining these technologies, it represents a significant step forward in the world of online auctions and promise store shape the way auctions are conducted and experienced.

Campus Connect - Bridging the Academic Community with Blockchain-Powered Decentralization

Abstract: In response to the evolving landscape of education in the digital era, CampusConnect emerges as a transformative blockchain-based decentralized application. This platform seeks to redefine the college experience by establishing a secure and collaborative environment for students, faculty, and campus communities. Leveraging blockchain technology, CampusConnect ensures data integrity, transparency, and decentralization, addressing the limitations of traditional social media platforms in meeting the unique needs of educational institutions. The objectives of this innovative initiative include enhancing communication, promoting resource sharing, improving campus event management, and offering a specialized academic network.

Value‐Added Processing of Food Legumes Using Extrusion Technology: A Review

ABSTRACTExtrusion processing of legumes has gained increased commercial significance in recent years. Food legumes or pulses are a rich source of protein, total dietary fiber, starch, minerals, selected vitamins, and other bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. The relatively higher protein and lower carbohydrate contents than cereal grains make legumes a healthy choice for developing new food products. While legumes are a staple in many developing countries, their consumption remains to be very low in most of the developed countries. Developing legume‐based ready‐to‐use ingredients and ready‐to‐eat products can potentially increase legume consumption, especially in developed countries. In addition to traditional legume processing methods, extrusion cooking offers a cost‐effective option to manufacture legume‐based products and ingredients. In recent years, increased concerns by consumers about environmental sustainability and food security have resulted in promoting plant‐based proteins as meat substitutes and meat analogs, which are primarily produced by extrusion or wet/dry extraction. In this regard, extrusion is more sustainable and environment‐friendly processing technology due to its process efficiency and minimal effluents. Legumes processed by extrusion cooking have wide applications in a variety of food products, for example, flour mixes and doughs, snack items, baked foods, meat alternatives, meat extenders, gluten‐free products, and nutraceuticals. Furthermore, extrusion process improves the digestibility and functional properties, and lowers or eliminates the antinutrients found in most legumes. This comprehensive review article discusses extrusion processing technology/systems, legumes extrusion, and nutritional quality, functional properties, food safety, and consumer acceptance of extruded legume products.

A Comprehensive Review on Soilless Cultivation for Sustainable Agriculture

With the growing challenges of food security and environmental degradation, there is an increasing need for sustainable agricultural practices. Soilless cultivation techniques offer a promising solution by minimizing land and water use while maximizing crop yield and quality. This review examines the potential of soilless cultivation methods in promoting sustainable agriculture. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of soilless cultivation techniques in sustainable agriculture. It aims to analyze the various methods used, their advantages and limitations, and their contributions to environmental sustainability and food security. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather information on soilless cultivation techniques, including hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. Relevant studies and reports were analyzed to assess the performance of these methods in terms of resource efficiency, crop productivity, and environmental impact. The review found that soilless cultivation techniques offer significant advantages over traditional soil-based farming, including higher crop yields, efficient water and nutrient use, and reduced environmental footprint. Hydroponic systems, in particular, have been widely adopted and have shown promising results in various crops. Additionally, soilless cultivation methods can be tailored to different environmental conditions, making them adaptable to a wide range of settings. In conclusion, soilless cultivation holds great potential for sustainable agriculture by addressing key challenges such as land and water scarcity, soil degradation, and climate change. While further research and technological advancements are needed to optimize these techniques and make them more accessible to farmers, the evidence suggests that soilless cultivation can play a significant role in achieving global food security and environmental sustainability goals.